Crime statistics show that crime in Surrey has decreased by 16% since 2016. This trend continues in part because of the great work done by our local law enforcement and community volunteer groups like Surrey Crime Prevention Society

Surrey Crime Prevention Society is a non-profit agency that deploys staff and volunteers enhancing community safety through a variety of programs. With over 350 volunteers and a handful of staff they assist in the recovery of stolen vehicles, report incidents to the RCMP regarding drivers under the influence, report drug transactions and assist in medical emergencies.

Surrey Crime Prevention Society staff and volunteers are the extra eyes and ears of the community, assisting first responders and other community partners while covering a city as large as Surrey.

One of the many programs offered is the Community Safety Tours where volunteer in green jackets tour on bikes and on foot observing and reporting on a variety of issues. These volunteers observe and report around shopping centers, local parks, transit hubs, recreation centers, libraries and other properties.

You may have received one of their “notices” informing you that you have left something in your car that would invite a thief. These notices are an example of their public awareness initiatives and are reminders not to leave things like sunglasses, cell phone chargers or anything having a street value in plain view in your car.

“Even an empty water bottle is something they can sell and they will break your window.

Photo courtesy of Surrey Crime Prevention

Surrey Crime Prevention couldn’t operate without their 350 plus dedicated and well trained volunteers. Volunteers contributed over 88 000 community safety hours in the City of Surrey

Besides keeping us safe and assisting law enforcement, they also measure the results of their work. This attention to detail helps them gauge the success of their programs and assists the RCMP and the City of Surrey in areas that need additional resources.

Recently, volunteers ran a license plate of a vehicle with a driver and passengers. This vehicle had been stolen and the volunteers contacted the RCMP resulting in arrests.

As a result of their dedication, volunteers identified another stolen vehicle which resulted in an RCMP response including Air One.

Courtesy of Global News

These dedicated volunteers are the eyes and ears for the RCMP, By-Law, Surrey Fire and other agencies and also report on issues such as illegal dumping, graffiti and public nuisance issues.

Karen Reid-Sidhu, Executive Director of Surrey Crime Prevention Society demonstrated the Surrey Request App which allows residents to report everything from potholes to graffiti. SCPS encourages everyone to download the app and assist by becoming the eyes and ears for the community.

“We use that app for everything. We report potholes, parking issues, illegal dumping, graffiti and anything needing the cities attention.”

Photo courtesy of Surrey Crime Prevention

Volunteers who support the many programs offered by Surrey Crime Prevention Society are about community spirit and giving back. Enhancing the communities they live in is their focus.

“We adopt two streets in the city for trash clean-up. We assist with community groups and their community clean-ups when asked.”

Photo courtesy of Surrey Crime Prevention

“One of our programs, has staff working with youth who have community service hours assigned through the courts to remove graffiti, or pick up garbage

Having a strong relationship will all 5-district RCMP commanders is key to the success of their programs. Surrey Crime Prevention Society prides itself in the many partnerships they have with community groups.

“We also work to support projects with ICBC and Transit police. For example, we attend Scott road station and take a look at people’s cars to see if they are at risk for break-ins. Volunteers will audit your vehicle and leave a notice on your car if you passed or failed. We go back, week after week to see if there is a change in behavior as a result of our notices.”

It is important for the community to observe and report. For example if you see an incident on the Sky Train you can notify Transit Police by texting 87777. Transit Police will respond immediately asking for your location and details. They will dispatch assistance as needed. Using this form of communication is discreet.

We are all grateful for these volunteers and the important and impactful work that they do. The majority of volunteers are university students, who want to go into public service whether it is law enforcement, social services or counseling.

Photo courtesy of Surrey Crime Prevention

Over 80 % of volunteers are from different cultural backgrounds and speak multiple languages. 25% are foreign-born Canadians represented by immigrants as well as international students.

These volunteers are the heart of the society and their dedication to the safety of the citizens of Surrey is to be highly commended. They can be very proud of the work that they do.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, visit their website for more information.

Photo courtesy of Surrey Crime Prevention

Surrey Crime Prevention Society is a non-profit society that relies on grant funding from the City of Surrey, Government of British Columbia and corporate sponsors and grants. Businesses and residents can join as a member and this membership fee supports the training and equipment for the many volunteers who generously donate their time. We can get involved by becoming a member of the society, donating to support the programs that they do or sign up as a volunteer.

As a result of the amazing work and positive impact the society is having on our community, Tri Gate Properties donated $100,000. This money will be used to support the valuable programs that offered by the Surrey Crime Prevention Society.

It would take forever to name everyone who deserves thanks and praise for their contribution to our community through this society but there are a few that deserve special mention. Samantha Clark is the Volunteer of the Year. Additional winners in each community program category are

A special thanks the City of Surrey and BC Gaming for their generous support. Surrey Crime Prevention Society is supported by many Surrey organizations including 107.7 Pulse FM, Anthem Properties, Guildford Town Centre, Surrey Libraries, Value Property Group, CN, G and F Financial, Elements Casino, Surrey Schools, Lark Group and Westland Insurance.

Volunteers have saved lives. Recently a woman who was on the train tracts was hit in the middle of the night. This victim, a 21 year old, single mother had been partying with friends and at 1am decided to run across the train tracks in front of a train.

She was badly injured. The train partially severed her arm. Her companions were unable to help her as she lay bleeding profusely.

Volunteers on patrol in the area saw the woman bleeding and called emergency crews and stayed with the woman until help arrived. They undoubtedly saved her life.

“We come across situations where people are being assaulted or people in medical distress. We respond by calling 911.”

By paying close attention to what goes on in neighbourhoods, volunteers are able to provide information to the police or other agencies. As a result of the quick response of a volunteer, a suspect who had assaulted a senior was apprehended.

Volunteers support many special events in Surrey including Canada Day, Surrey International Children’s Festival, Fusion Festival, Vaisakhi and many more

“We find lots of lost kids.” And hand them over to the RCMP to reunite them with their families. We conduct public awareness events and raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving and distracted driving.”

“The work we do resolves around our core programs”. Relationships between authority and citizens especially new Canadians is often challenging but here in Canada we work together and it is important to help newcomers understand the safety culture in Canada and know that they can trust the police.”

Consider becoming a member. The benefits to the community are immeasurable. Businesses can join as members. This membership supports community safety, which is good for business. Individuals can become a member and support the good work done in schools or with newcomers.

You can make a financial donation, join as a member or donate goods-in-kind such as gifts cards for volunteer appreciation, offer catering for meetings, buy them a pizza (gift card), donate bike equipment or donate office supplies.

Everyone in the community can do something to show appreciation for this group of dedicated, talented and determined people. Surrey is very lucky to have the Surrey Crime Prevention Society.

Let’s each do something to show our appreciation. Call 604.502.8555 or email and say thank you.

About The Author

Shara Nixon loves to hear and repeat the stories of people’s lives and cultural viewpoints. She enjoys deep conversations and people who hold strong viewpoints. In her day job she is a social worker for business owners, helping them meet their goals.
As an insomniac, she writes at night to clear her head. She is punctuationally challenged and uses too many !!!. She also believes in creative spelling as an art form. Her super-power is in connecting like-minded people and communicating with an intent to learn instead of respond.
She writes about relationships, business savvy, online dating, finance and general things that piss her off. Shara believes that key to peace is education and connection!!!

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